Make Sleep Health a Priority

Despite the increasing recognition that sleep is not a luxury but a fundamental pillar of health, just like nutrition and exercise, we still see evidence that sleep is being sacrificed in favour of work, social commitments, and screen time1. Of course, we all have bills to pay, want to spend time with friends, and often turn to screens to unwind at the end of the day. This is a natural part of life. However, when these habits are taken to the extreme, they can have detrimental effects on our health by significantly limiting the quality and quantity of our sleep we are getting on a regular basis. 

While societal attitudes toward sleep are evolving, we still live in a hustle-driven culture where sleep is often undervalued due to the paradoxical belief that less sleep leads to greater productivity. However, research consistently shows that prioritising sleep enhances cognitive function, productivity, and overall well-being(2).

Poor sleep isn’t just about feeling tired, it can have long-term health consequences and may even reduce life expectancy.

What Happens If We Don’t Prioritise Sleep?

• Increased risk of heart disease and stroke

• Weakened immune system

• Higher likelihood of developing mental health conditions like anxiety and depression

• Weight gain and increased risk of diabetes

• Reduced cognitive function and memory issues

Chronic sleep deprivation can also lead to serious health issues, but what exactly is sleep deprivation? It refers to the ability to get sleep, however with limited opportunity to do so. In many cases, this can be addressed by simply increasing the time spent in bed to align with the recommended 7–9 hours of sleep per night(3).

If you allow yourself enough time for sleep but still experience prolonged wakefulness at night, wake up feeling unrefreshed, or struggle with excessive daytime sleepiness, this may indicate an underlying sleep disorder that requires further evaluation.

Prioritising sleep means more than just getting enough hours, it also involves improving sleep hygiene and bedtime routines. Visit our website for expert tips for a good night sleep.

When to Get a Sleep Study

If you experience persistent fatigue, snoring, morning headaches, or difficulty staying asleep, you may have an underlying sleep disorder such as sleep apnoea, insomnia, or restless leg syndrome. A sleep study can help diagnose these conditions, guiding you toward effective treatment.

Use our sleep self-assessment tool to evaluate your risk of an underlying sleep disorder. Once completed, you can discuss your results with one of our dedicated, specialised physiologists, who will guide you through the next steps.

With the enormous strain the NHS is under, we are seeing waiting lists growing. opting for a private sleep study can provide faster answers and help you regain control of your sleep health. 

It’s time to prioritise your sleep “Take our free Sleep Self-Assessment to evaluate your risk of sleep disorders. Your results can help you take the next step toward better sleep health”

References: 

1. Hale et al, Youth screen media habits and sleep: sleep-friendly screen-behavior recommendations for clinicians, educators, and parents; hild Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2018 Apr;27(2):229–245

2. Ramar et al, Sleep is essential to health: an American Academy of Sleep Medicine position statement; 2021

3. Watson et al, Recommended Amount of Sleep for a Healthy Adult: A Joint Consensus Statement of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Research Societ; 2015